Stent‐Assisted Surgical Creation of a Ductal Drainage Tract in the Third Eyelid Gland for Treatment of Postoperative Lacrimal Cyst of the Nictitating Membrane in a Dog
Donghee Kim, Geunseop Lee, Kyung‐Mee ParkABSTRACT
Objective
To describe a surgical technique of stent‐assisted creation of a ductal drainage tract in the third eyelid gland, combined with mitomycin‐C application, for the treatment of recurrent lacrimal cyst of the nictitating membrane (LCNM) in a referred dog.
Animal Studied
A client‐owned 8‐month‐old castrated male Maltese dog (3.6 kg) with recurrent LCNM following conjunctival pocket technique for PNMG repair.
Procedures
Following two recurrences after surgical cyst drainage via intentional incision, stent‐assisted ductal tract creation was performed, incorporating mitomycin‐C (0.4 mg/mL) application and temporary placement of a 3‐French cat catheter as a ductal stent. The stent was removed at the one‐week recheck due to a stent‐related corneal ulcer, 1 week earlier than planned.
Results
A focal central superficial corneal ulcer attributed to mechanical contact with the catheter stent was identified at the one‐week recheck and necessitated early stent removal; the ulcer resolved with topical antibiotic therapy. At the three‐week recheck, mild nictitating membrane (NM) elevation and incomplete ductal patency were noted. By the six‐week recheck, NM protrusion and conjunctival hyperemia had resolved and corticosteroid therapy was discontinued. No cyst recurrence was observed over 4 months, and the created ductal tract remained patent.
Conclusion
This technique achieved resolution of recurrent LCNM and maintained ductal patency over 4 months. Stent‐related corneal contact necessitated early stent removal. The suture‐free nature suggests this technique may be performed without dedicated surgical microscopy, potentially broadening its applicability in general practice.